The most popular hike in Los Angeles. 2.5 million visitors a year. Here's everything you actually need to know.
What Runyon Canyon Is
Runyon Canyon Park is 160 acres of trails wedged into the Hollywood Hills, two blocks north of Hollywood Boulevard. It's the most-visited hiking spot in LA — nearly 50,000 people a week — and it's free. The park has been public since 1984, when the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the City of Los Angeles purchased it from private developers.
It's not a wilderness hike. It's a Hollywood scene with a workout attached. You'll see personal trainers with clients, people in full athleisure shooting content, off-leash dogs sprinting past you, and views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, and the ocean on clear days. If you want solitude, go somewhere else. If you want to see LA doing its thing while getting your heart rate up, this is the spot.
The Trails
There are several trail options ranging from a 20-minute stroll to a 60-minute loop. All trails start from the Fuller Avenue entrance at the south end of the park.
The Full Loop
1.5 miles · ~60 minutes
The signature Runyon experience. Go clockwise for a gradual climb up the west side with a steep descent via the east ridge, or counter-clockwise for a brutal climb up the stairs near Inspiration Point and a gentle walk back down. Counter-clockwise is harder but gets the steep part over with first.
Inspiration Point Trail
0.75 miles to viewpoint · ~30 minutes
The most popular route. Head straight on the paved fire road from the entrance, then climb to Inspiration Point for panoramic views. Good for beginners, though the last push is steep.
Hero Trail (West Ridge)
Steepest option
A dirt single-track that splits left from the main trail and goes straight up the west ridge. Significantly fewer people than the fire road, much harder, much more rewarding. Your hands might come in handy on the steepest sections.
Star Trail (East Ridge)
More exposed, several benches
Descends the eastern side of the canyon with several benches and viewpoints along the way. Some sections have been improved with steps. More exposed than the canyon floor trails.
Key Landmarks
- Inspiration Point — The main viewpoint, about halfway through the full loop
- Cloud's Rest — Higher viewpoint on the east ridge
- The Ruins — Remains of old residences near the lower trail. In the 1930s, the A&P supermarket heir hired Frank Lloyd Wright to build a resort hotel here. Local government blocked it.
- The Peace Spiral — A hidden art installation tucked about 100 yards off the main paved road on a little-traveled single-track trail near the bottom of the canyon. Worth the short detour.
- The Yoga Field — Flat area near the entrance where free yoga classes happen
- The Prayer Box — At the summit near the USGS benchmark
Trail Status — April 2026
The West Trail is currently closed. All other trails are open. The park underwent a 3-month closure in 2022 to repair a leaking 1920s water line. When it reopened, some paved trails were improved and water fountains were added.
How to Get There
Address: 2000 N Fuller Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
From Hollywood Boulevard: Head 0.5 miles west of La Brea Ave, turn north on N Fuller Avenue. The entrance is at the top of Fuller.
⚠ Parking Warning
There is no parking lot. You have to find street parking on surrounding residential streets.
Read every sign carefully. Some streets have permit-only parking on evenings and weekends. Signs often say "Monday thru Friday" in small text — meaning you CANNOT park there Saturday and Sunday without a permit.
Best bet: Arrive early on weekday mornings. Spots open as locals drive to work.
Alternative: Park blocks away on Hollywood Boulevard and walk.
From Mulholland Drive: Small dirt parking lot at the north entrance. Take 101 north to Cahuenga Pass, exit at Barham Blvd, turn right on Lakeridge Place, cross the bridge over the 101, left on Mulholland Drive, go 0.5 miles to trailhead parking on the left. The Mulholland lot is currently open as of April 2026.
By Metro: 15-minute walk from the Red Line Hollywood & Highland station. Walk north on Highland, left on Franklin, right on Fuller. Fare is $1.75.
By Bike: Bike racks at the Fuller entrance.
Hours, Cost & Dogs
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily (officially 6am‒9pm, though the city lists sunrise to sunset).
Cost: Free. Always.
Dogs: Runyon Canyon is one of LA's most popular off-leash dog parks. Off-leash areas cover more than half the park. You'll pass through a gate marking the off-leash zone shortly after entering. If your dog isn't good around dozens of other dogs, keep them leashed or choose a different hike.
What to Know Before You Go
- No restrooms. There are no restroom facilities anywhere in the park. Plan accordingly.
- Bring water. There are water fountains (added during the 2022 renovation), but bring your own. It gets hot and exposed on the upper trails.
- Wear whatever. People hike Runyon in everything from full hiking gear to flip-flops. Sneakers are fine for the fire road. For Hero Trail or the full loop on dirt, actual athletic shoes are better.
- No shade on upper trails. Inspiration Point and ridge trails are fully exposed. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
- No smoking anywhere in the park.
- Wildlife: Rattlesnakes, coyotes, and deer are present. Stay on trails.
Best Times to Go
Weekday mornings (6‒8am) Emptiest. Mostly locals getting a workout before work.
Weekday evenings Busy but manageable. The after-work crowd.
Weekend mornings Packed. Arrive by 7am or accept the crowds.
Weekend afternoons Actually less crowded than mornings. Parking is easier too — one visitor noted the Mulholland lot was mostly empty by 2:30pm on a Thursday.
The Vibe
Runyon Canyon is a scene. It's where Hollywood goes to work out, be seen, and take selfies with the Hollywood Sign in the background. You might overhear a conversation about a script or a new pilot. This is not a place for peaceful communion with nature — it's a social hike in the truest sense.
Which is exactly why it's perfect for WashedUp. You're already going to be surrounded by people. Why not go with a group who actually wants to talk to each other?
Sunrise sessions, weekend loops, or a sunset climb to Inspiration Point. Small groups of 4‒8 work best.
Nearby
- Hollywood Boulevard (2 blocks south) — Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, tourist chaos
- Hollywood & Highland — Shopping, food, Metro access
- Wattles Garden Park — A quieter alternative one canyon to the west (check current status before going)
- Lake Hollywood — A flat, easy walk around the Hollywood Reservoir with great Hollywood Sign views. Good alternative if Runyon feels too intense.
FAQ
Is Runyon Canyon free? Yes. Always. There is no parking lot — street parking on surrounding residential streets is free but limited and requires reading posted signs carefully.
Is Runyon Canyon dog-friendly? Yes. One of LA's most popular off-leash dog parks. Off-leash areas cover more than half the park. If your dog isn't good around dozens of other off-leash dogs, keep them leashed.
How long is the hike? The full loop is 1.5 miles (~60 minutes). Inspiration Point is 0.75 miles one-way (~30 minutes). You can mix and match trails based on fitness level.
Where do I park? There is no parking lot. Find street parking on surrounding residential streets and read every sign carefully — permit-only rules apply on many streets on evenings and weekends. Easiest option: Metro Red Line to Hollywood & Highland, then walk 15 minutes north.
Is Runyon Canyon good for a group hike? It's one of the best. Free, accessible by Metro, great views, and the social energy of the trail makes it easy for groups to have a good time. Small groups of 4‒8 are ideal on the trail. Post a plan on WashedUp and find people to go with.
Are there restrooms? No. There are no restroom facilities anywhere in the park. Plan accordingly.
How long is the Runyon Canyon hike? The main loop at Runyon Canyon is about 3.3 miles and takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your pace and which trail you choose.
Is Runyon Canyon hard? Runyon Canyon offers trails for all fitness levels. The main paved path is easy and suitable for beginners, while the steeper ridge trails offer a more challenging workout with better views.
Last verified: April 2026. Trail status and parking rules can change — always read posted signs.
